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Breckenridge Ski Resort is a favorite destination in Colorado's Summit County that combines diverse skiing with a genuine town. While easy to access from both downtown Denver and Denver International Airport, the drive can be delayed by traffic and closure of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The trip is largely interstate highway winding through the mountains, but there are several places to stop for something to eat.

Trip

Breckenridge is about two hours west and slightly south of the Denver International Airport. You'll be driving on Interstate 70 the majority of the way, where you'll find limited stops. Once you leave Denver, only a handful of small towns are located convenient to the highway before you come to Breckenridge. If you're coming from the Denver airport and would prefer a larger selection of restaurants, make a detour into the city to eat before beginning your trip.

Idaho Springs Restaurants

Idaho Springs is a quaint, former mining establishment that dates back to the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. It is next to westbound I-70, roughly halfway between Denver and Breckenridge. Both the atmosphere and dining in town serve a little taste of Colorado, with one of Colorado's famed 14ers --14,200 Mount Evans -- in view and small streets lined with grills and pubs serving Colorado fare. Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub celebrates Idaho Springs' mining history and serves up local beers and dishes like "Motherlode Nachos" and "Buffalo Roadhouse Chili." Other local options include Buffalo Bar & Restaurant, Beau Jo's pizza and Mangia! Casual Italian.

Georgetown Restaurants

A smaller town and former mining settlement that is part of Clear Creek County, along with Idaho Springs, Georgetown is adjacent to eastbound I-70. Similar to Idaho Springs in history and local flavor, Georgetown is a great place to get a feel for historic Colorado. Restaurants in town include Mountain Buzz Cafe and Pizzeria and The Happy Cooker, which serves lighter fare like European waffles, soups, chilies and deserts. The Euro Grill combines European fare like pork schnitzel and Hungarian goulash with American classics like burgers and New York strip steaks.

Dillon Restaurants

A little further on the journey between Denver and Breckenridge, Dillon is located about 15 miles outside of Breckenridge and is just off I-70 on the edge of Summit County ski country. The Dillon Dam Brewery is a local brewpub that serves burgers, pub dinners like prime rib and ruby red trout, and pasta. Other Dillon restaurants include Buckmoors Sports Lounge, which serves pizza, calzones and wings, and Red Mountain Grill, which combines Mexican and American food and drinks.

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About the Author

Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.